Regional authorities in Southern Finland have today decided to bring into force
a new section from the infection disease law, including an imposed lock-down of
all fitness clubs. ELIXIA Finland, a part of SATS ASA ("SATS"), is in close
dialogue with the authorities, following their advice on how to act and is thus
closing 22 clubs in Helsinki temporarily, currently estimated to last from 1
April until 14 April.
SATS is highly concerned about the negative public health effects of closing the
fitness clubs. During a normal year, SATS welcomes close to 40 million visits.
Experience from previous club closures reveals that a very low share of these
exercise hours is replaced by alternative training while gyms are closed, and
the inactivity in the population has increased significantly.
It is safe to visit SATS' clubs. Good routines in line with the local infection
control rules are implemented in all countries, including improved hygiene
protocols, increased staffing, guiding of members and reduced group training
capacity. There is enough space at fitness clubs to enable social distancing,
and there have been very few outbreaks in this industry.
After closing the clubs in Finland, 145 clubs of the total club portfolio of 253
clubs are temporarily closed, of which 22 in Finland, 93 in Norway and 30 in
Denmark.
Investor Relations:
Cecilie Elde, Chief Financial Officer, phone: +47 924 14 195
Stine Klund, Finance and Investor Relations Manager, phone: +47 986 99 259
Press:
Anne Flæte, Press Contact, phone: +47 932 56 295
